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Signs and symptoms

Find out about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Love your breasts – be breast aware

Most cases of breast cancer are found by women noticing unusual changes, taking the initiative and visiting their doctor. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chance of beating it – so you can see how important it is to make regular checks.

Being breast aware simply means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, being on the lookout for any unusual changes and getting them checked out by your doctor.

It’s as simple as TLC

TOUCH your breasts. Can you feel anything unusual?LOOK for changes. Is there any change in shape or texture?CHECK anything unusual with your doctor.

Watch our video to find out how to check for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer

No one knows your body better than you and everyone will have their own way of touching and looking for changes – there’s no special technique and you don’t need any training. It’s good to get into the habit of doing this regularly – maybe when you’re in the bath or shower, or while getting dressed in the morning.

Changes to check for:

Touch

Can you feel a lump? Either in the breast, upper chest or armpits.

Is there a lumpy area? Or unusual thickening of the breast tissue that doesn’t go away?

Is there any unusual pain? Either in part of the breast or the armpit.

Look

Any change in size or shape? For example, one breast might become larger or lower than the other.

Any change in skin texture? Such as puckering or dimpling of the skin of the breast.

Any change in colour? For example the breast may look red or inflamed.

What about the appearance or direction of the nipple? For example, one might become inverted (turned in) when it normally points out.

Any unusual discharge? One or both nipples might have a discharge.

Any rash or crusting? Of the nipple or surrounding area.

Check

Is anything unusual? If so, get it checked out by your doctor as soon as possible.

Breakthrough's iBreastCheck app

How do you go about checking your breasts? Breakthrough's iBreastCheck app features a video, slideshow and handy reminder service to help you become more breast aware. Download our free iBreastCheck app for iPhone or Android - it could make all the difference.

iBreastCheck for iPhone & Android

Help us stop breast cancer for good

We’re determined to stop breast cancer for good, and making sure every woman receives the treatment she needs is the first step. Please sign up to our campaign now and write to your MP to Demand a Fair Price for life-extending drugs.

Why we need your support

Our work is only possible due to the generosity of the public – all the money we receive is donated. We need your help to support our essential research, and you can do this by taking part in an event for Breakthrough. Our events cover the length and breadth of the UK, from cycling and trekking to triathlons and skydiving.

About Breakthrough

Breakthrough Breast Cancer is more than a name. It’s a force. A force of thousands of people across the UK working together with a single-minded ambition to stop women dying from breast cancer. We will achieve this by finding new treatments, discovering the causes, promoting early detection and ensuring the best possible care for women diagnosed with the disease.